However, in the end, we have a Bristolology Final that seems to have been destined from the beginning, much like the Connecticut vs Kentucky matchup we’ll see tonight.

Jay Bilas and Scott Van Pelt are two of ESPN’s most popular and most engaging personalities.

Bilas has been a college basketball analyst for ESPN for 20 years, but his notoriety and Q rating have exploded in recent years. In addition to his work as a game and studio analyst for Bristol, the former Dukie and legal expert has become ESPN’s main NBA Draft analyst. He’s one of the best analysts in the business, but he’s also added humor to these platforms, whether it be his beloved partnership with Bill Raftery or his acknowledgement of the Jay Bilas Drinking Game. It’s this kind of self-awareness and self-deprecation that makes Bilas so likable. When you add on his willingness to challenge the NCAA (going where few others who are paid to analyze the sport go) and his engaging personality on social media, Jay Bilas is one of ESPN’s most well-rounded personalities.

After working at Golf Channel, it’s hard to believe that Scott Van Pelt has been working for ESPN for 13 years. In that timespan, he has become the face of a new generation of SportsCenter anchors. Like Bilas, he’s one of the most engaging ESPN personalities who’s active in social media. As a studio host, radio host, reporter, and announcer SVP is one of the most versatile individuals working in sports broadcasting today. He’s just as skilled announcing a golf tournament as he is anchoring SportsCenter or SVP and Russillo. But what makes Van Pelt stand out is his genuineness and honesty… even when it comes to criticizing his employer. In a world where so many are looking to make a name for themselves by shouting the loudest or exploiting athletes, Van Pelt never makes himself bigger than the games and is always relatable with fans.

In short, both of these guys represent everything right about ESPN, but only one can be crowned our favorite ESPN personality.